john boehner is being controlled unfortunately by the right wing pickwick that leaves it up to harry reid and the rest of the senate to find a solution. the plan would avoid tax increases and would eliminate some big spending cuts and restore unemployment benefits. >> you are likely to see a two- step process. >> without a deal, bush era tax cuts will expire on january 1. congress set up the deadline hoping it would force a compromise. so far that has a compromise in. also flyback will be brian schatz. he will be replacing daniel inouye and will likely be sworn in later today. danielle leigh, wbal-tv 11 news. >> with the new year comes new state laws. >> kim dacey has more on what to expect. >> on tuesday, a dozen new state laws will go into effect. some were highly discuss. one allows gay couples to marry as of january 1. baltimore city elections will now be held in the same cycle as the presidential elections. for veterans, the department of veterans affairs will be required to give out something of their status. another new law will make it easier to protect kids and disabled -- a pare